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Meerschaum tobacco pipe bowl, Europe, 1860-1900

Carved from meerschaum (a soft clay like mineral), the tobacco pipe bowl is in the shape of a male African-American’s head. This type of decoration was common on tobacco pipes and was linked with the tobacco plantations where many enslaved African people were forced to harvest the crop, especially in the United States.
Tobacco smoking was enjoyed for its nicotine boost and its taste. The black staining around the opening suggests it has been heavily used. The stem of the pipe is missing.